Microsoft has confirmed the development of multiple new Halo games, coinciding with the rebranding of 343 Industries to "Halo Studios."
Xbox Game Studios' 343 Industries Rebrands as Halo Studios
Halo Studios Embarks on a New Era of Halo Game Development
Microsoft-owned Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) has announced it's working on several new Halo titles. This announcement also marks a significant rebranding, signaling a fresh start for the franchise.
"Halo's history has two distinct chapters: Bungie and 343 Industries," stated Studio Head Pierre Hintze. "Now, we're responding to player demand by not only streamlining development but also reimagining how we create Halo games. This is the beginning of a new chapter."
The studio will leverage Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) for future Halo installments. UE5 is renowned for its high-fidelity graphics and realistic physics, promising a significant visual and gameplay upgrade. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted, "Epic is honored that Halo Studios has chosen our tools to help with their future work!"
Halo's leadership team outlined a renewed focus on player feedback. Hintze explained, "We previously overemphasized creating conditions for Halo Infinite's success. Now, our singular focus is creating the best possible Halo games."
COO Elizabeth Van Wyck emphasized player-centric development: "Success hinges on building games players want. This new structure empowers the game developers to make key decisions, and we're actively seeking broader player feedback. Ultimately, player evaluation is paramount."
Art Director Chris Matthew highlighted the advantages of UE5: "Parts of our existing engine are nearly 25 years old. While continuously improved, Unreal Engine 5 offers capabilities unavailable to us, saving significant time and resources."
The transition to UE5 also streamlines content updates. Van Wyck noted, "It's not just about faster development cycles, but also quicker updates and adapting to player preferences." With these plans underway, Halo Studios has begun recruiting for new projects.
